Course Descriptions

Science

SCI 110Conceptual Physics (with Lab)3 credits

This course provides an understanding of how the physical environment changes around us. It gives an understanding of the relationship between matter and energy, including the following concepts: force, motion, conservation laws, energy, heat, wave motion (including sound and light), electricity and magnetism, the atom, and semiconductor materials.

SCI 232Life and Environmental Science (with Lab)0 credits

SCI 240Concepts in Physics3 credits

This course provides a conceptually-based exposure to the fundamental principles and processes of the physical world. Emphasis is placed on the physics of everyday life and how things work. Topics include basic concepts of motion, forces, energy, fluid mechanics, heat, electricity, magnetism, and waves. Upon completion, students should be able to describe examples and applications of the principles studied. Computer-based exercises will be used to enhance and consolidate the understanding of basic physical principles and applications.

Prerequisite(s): MAT 121 or MAT 205 or MAT 304

SCI 251Biology I (with Lab)4 credits

This course involves the study of living organisms on a molecular and cellular level. Emphasis will be placed on the chemistry of biological molecules, structure and function of cells and their components, genetic patterns of inheritance, flow of genetic information and biodiversity. A review of how this knowledge is applied to agriculture and human health is given. A study of how all organisms are interconnected through structured ecosystems shows how humans apply scientific knowledge to better use natural resources.

SCI 252Biology II (with Lab)4 credits

This course is the second part of a two-part introductory Biology course. Focus will be on the organism level with emphasis on natural selection and species diversity, plant and animal structure, and physiology and ecology.

SCI 302Secret of Life: A Study of Human Biology3 credits

SCI 303Climate Dynamics3 credits

This course is a study of the earth and its atmospheric phenomena that result in weather. Weather theories, forecasting, dissemination, and applications of weather principles are studied. Developments resulting from pollution of the atmosphere are examined.

SCI 304Astronomy3 credits

Students in this course will gain an understanding of the sun and other stars, planets, comets, asteroids, and galaxies in the universe. Emphasis is placed on discovering how happenings in the universe affect everyday life. Stargazing field trips will take place when skies are clear.

SCI 305Earth Science (with Lab)4 credits

This course emphasizes the process of scientific investigation in the study of the earth and its place in the universe. The course shall include discussions of the earth and space, with emphasis on the processes used by geologist and astronomers in developing an understanding of the growth and evolution of the earth and the universe.

SCI 307Physical Science (with Lab)4 credits

The relationship between matter and energy and the principles governing this relationship are examined in this course. It sets forth the basic concepts of physics and chemistry, including the physics and chemistry of materials (their properties, the process by which they are changed, and how they are used), and energy (what it is, why it is important, and how it is used)

SCI 310Environmental Science3 credits

This course identifies the causes of environmental degradation and examines current efforts toward correcting a variety of complex environmental situations. Emphasis is placed on the role of humans using science and technology to find solutions to the problems facing earth.

SCI 311Botany (with Lab)4 credits

This course involves the study of organisms in the plant kingdom. The course is designed to introduce students to the diversity, ecology, anatomy, morphology, genetics, and physiology of plants. Through lectures and lab exercises, students will gain information about plant biology and lab techniques used to study plants.

SCI 312Physics (with Lab)4 credits

This is an algebra-based physics course providing an understanding of the major concepts in physics. Topics covered include Newtonian motion, work and energy, thermodynamics, wave properties, sound, optics, electricity and magnetism, the atom and nuclear processes, and relativity.

SCI 315Applied Chemistry (with Lab)4 credits

This course explores the chemistry needed to understand the impact of chemical, human, and industrial processes on our lives and our environment. The basics of inorganic, organic, and biochemistry are covered, including the chemistry of life (DNA).

SCI 321Technology in the Sciences3 credits

This course provides an overview of technology in the sciences. A review of major technological advances and their relationship to man’s understanding of the universe will be included. The impact of current technology on individuals, society, and the environment, including moral and ethical concerns, will also be discussed.

SCI 331Microbiology3 credits

SCI 335Human Anatomy and Physiology (with Lab)4 credits

Students in this course explore the structure and function of the human body. Basic terminology to describe the structure of the body while explaining the basic concepts of body function are presented. The student is introduced to the principles of operation of the major organ systems in healthy humans.

Please be advised that this course may involve dissection. Students who have a moral or religious objection may not be required to perform dissection, but may participate in other ways as assigned by the instructor.

SCI 336Microbiology (with Lab)4 credits

This four-credit lab course explores the unseen life on earth. The diversity of microorganisms, including the basics of cell biology and genetics, are examined. Students will gain a deeper understanding of how microbes shape the environment and their essential role in human life. Controlling microbes under special situations (e.g. food safety, hospitals), how the human body defends against microbial invaders, disease outbreaks, and current efforts to track and control infectious diseases are discussed.

Prerequisite(s): SCI 232 or SCI 251

SCI 337Genetics (with Lab)4 credits

This four-credit lab course involves the study of gene structure and function. Topics include the molecular basis of heredity, Mendelian and non-Mendelian inheritance, mutation, and biotechnology applications.

Prerequisite(s): SCI 232 or SCI 251

SCI 441Co-op Education Experience for Science3 credits

The student will learn from first-hand fieldwork experience. This experience will vary from student to student and from company to company. The dynamics of the relationships between student, cooperating supervisor and faculty advisor determine the richness, depth and breadth of the work experience.

Prerequisite(s): Student needs at least 60 credits completed and a minimum GPA of 2.5. This course requires approval from the Program Chair and the Director of Cooperative Education.

SCI 442Co-op Education Experience for Science3 credits

The student will learn from first-hand fieldwork experience. This experience will vary from student to student and from company to company. The dynamics of the relationships between student, cooperating supervisor and faculty advisor determine the richness, depth and breadth of the work experience.

Prerequisite(s): Student needs at least 60 credits completed and a minimum GPA of 2.5. This course requires approval from the Program Chair and the Director of Cooperative Education.

SCI 460Research in Environmental Science3 credits

This course is designed to allow environmental science students an avenue to more thoroughly pursue advanced research in topics of interest in environmental sciences. It will also allow the student to develop proper habits of independent study as well as to be introduced to the art of doing research. After completing the class, the student will be better prepared for a graduate program or a career in the environmental areas. The research area to be chosen encompasses areas of environmental sciences that the department has instruments and equipment for completing. The research will focus on collecting data, analyzing the data, interpreting it, and preparing scientific paper to be published in a peer review journal as well as conferences. Students will devise the best and most practical methodology for conducting the research.